Band director stands mute to CSC charges

Published 7:00 pm, Sunday, December 11, 2005

SANILAC COUNTY  Cass City Public Schools Band Director Doug Burtch appeared in Sanilac County District Court Friday afternoon for his arraignment and stood mute on charges of criminal sexual conduct.

According to Burtchs attorney, Walt Salens of Bad Axe, Burtchs preliminary examination has been set for 10 a.m. Jan. 20 in Sanilac County District Court.

Judge James Marcus ordered a $25,000 personal recognizance bond, which is to assure Burtch will return to the court as scheduled. He does not have to post the $25,000 bond unless he does not return to court, Salens said.

Burtch is being charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which is a 15-year felony, and two alternate counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, a two-year misdemeanor. The charges are related to incidents that allegedly occurred from December 2003 through May 2004.

The allegations have been made by a Cass City student who has since graduated.

Burtch was suspended from his band director position in July. The board hired interim substitute Band Director Todd Thamer in August to fill in during Burtchs absence.

Salens said Friday he had just received the police report from the prosecuting attorneys office and had not had an opportunity to review it.

He said the complaint against Burtch is vague in regard to when the alleged incidents took place.

Because he hadnt reviewed the police reports, Salens declined to comment further.

According to Detective/Sgt. Brian Ferguson of the Michigan State Police Sandusky post, the alleged incidents took place in Sanilac County, which is why the case is being handled in that county.